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Martinez Closes Hidden Valley Pickleball Courts Effective Immediately After Unanimous Vote

The vote followed documented noise impacts at courts 50 to 100 feet from nearby homes.

Overview

  • City staff are locking the facility and removing nets right away, while adjacent tennis and basketball courts remain open.
  • The decision leaves Martinez without any free public pickleball courts, though nearby Concord, Walnut Creek and Pleasant Hill offer options.
  • The courts reopened in February 2025 after roughly $1.7 million in largely federal funding, raising questions about planning and future reuse.
  • Complaints persisted despite reduced hours last fall, a city survey found 41% reported sleep impacts, and staff cited litigation risks and national 300‑foot setback standards.
  • The mayor and council apologized for consultant guidance that underestimated impacts and said they will evaluate alternative locations and long‑term repurposing.